Southwold's new mayor has appealed for the community to work together for the good of the town, saying residents are crucial to the town's future success.

Councillor Melanie Tucker praised the area's community spirit as she was appointed to the role after being voted in unanimously during a meeting at Southwold Town Hall on Monday (May 18).

She pledged to do her 'very best' in the role - but said: 'It's important we work together as a community for the benefit of the town.

'I feel it can only help us all if the community works together to try to achieve the best we can.'

In particular she said one of the key issues for Southwold Town Council is developing a neighbourhood plan.

'I think that's a step in the right direction and it will help the community to feel that they may have some input into planning issues,' she said, highlighting how the neighbourhood plan will help to set boundaries for where nw homes can and cannot be built.

Ms Tucker, 65, of Godyll Road in Southwold, said there was still a strong sense of pride in the Southwold, despite its declining population.

'I think despite our numbers diminishing over the years, we have a very strong sense of community,' she said. 'And I think that's going to stand us in good stead for the challenges of the future.

'Our community is much stronger than people think.'

Speaking about her new role, Ms Tucker said: 'I'm honoured that my colleagues felt that I could do a good job.

'The role of mayor is steeped in the history of the town and has a great deal of ceremony attached to it, but the main role of mayor is as chairman of a group of 12 town councillors who work together.

'I'm really looking forward to working as a team with my fellow town councillors.'

She also she would find the wisdom and experience of previous mayor Ann Betts, 73, 'very helpful'.

Ms Betts, of Marlborough Road in Southwold, said she had been 'very busy' during her year in the role.

'I attended roughly 100 functions, not including chairing meetings,' she said.

'I've done fetes, sales, boating lakes and the usual run of civic services.

'Part of being mayor is to represent Southwold throughout Suffolk, and that's what I've tried to do.'

What do you think Southwold Town Council's priorities should be for the year ahead? Write, giving your full contact details, to: Journal Postbox, 147 London Road North, Lowestoft NR32 1NB or email andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk